Questions to ask when you visit a private school
Updated October 14, 2026
Print this list or keep it on your phone. You don't need to ask every question; pick the ones that matter to your family.
Cost and help paying
- What is tuition for my child's grade, and what fees are extra (registration, books, technology, uniforms, trips, activities)?
- Do you offer financial aid? How do we apply, and when is the deadline?
- Are there sibling discounts, parish or member rates, or payment plans?
- Do you accept education savings account (ESA), voucher or tax-credit scholarship funds?
Classes and teaching
- How many students are in my child's grade, and in each class?
- How do you teach reading and math in the early grades?
- What does homework look like at this age?
- What languages, arts, music and sports do you offer?
Support for every child
- How do you help a student who is struggling, or one who needs more challenge?
- Do you have a learning specialist, counselor or nurse on staff?
- Can you support my child's learning plan (IEP or 504 plan)? Private schools don't have to follow an IEP, so ask exactly what they can do.
Faith and values
- If it's a religious school: are religion classes and services required? Do you welcome families of other faiths?
- How does the school handle discipline and conflicts between students?
Safety and daily life
- What are the hours, and is there before- and after-school care?
- Is transportation available?
- How do you keep students safe on campus?
Results and accreditation
- Is the school accredited, and by which organization?
- For high schools: where do graduates go, and what college counseling do you offer?
Communication
- How and how often do teachers update families?
- Can we talk to a few current parents?